Prepare Tax Return Online and E-File Tax Returns for Free

Would you like to have your taxes prepared for free? Online tax preparation refund dates software offers the option to prepare your own taxes online and e-file your tax returns, often for free. Have you considered preparing your taxes yourself, but were concerned about making a mistake? If your tax return is basic and you can follow the step by step instructions offered by online tax preparation software, you should consider this money saving option!This article will explain some of the benefits and advantages of preparing and efiling your taxes online and also make some suggestions as to what to look for in choosing an online tax software company. The main advantages to do-it-yourself online tax filing are:Convenience- You can prepare and file your taxes on your own schedule, 24/7 Less expensive and possibly even free! Online tax software provides step by step instructions. Reputable online tax services offer a maximum tax refund guarantee. No software to download. Can be completed from any computer that has an internet connection. Fast Tax Filing..a simple tax return can be completed in less than 30 minutes Fast Refunds- Get your refund in as little as 8 days using e-file and direct deposit

Although there are new online tax preparation sites popping up on the internet each year, it is advisable to use a company that has been around and has a track record of satisfied customers. That does not mean that you should necessarily limit your consideration to the big names that you see advertised on TV. These companies have huge advertising budgets, but may not provide the best value.Some online tax companies advertise that you can do your tax returns for "free", but then tack on fees for state returns, e-filing tax returns, or even a fee for printing the return. Other tax software companies offer free versions that can be used by everyone, but they omit some of the most commonly used federal forms. Make sure that you compare total costs, including any additional fees for printing, preparing and e-filing state returns, when necessary.Other considerations in selecting the best online tax option to prepare and e-file your tax return online include:The complexity of your tax return. If your tax documents only include a couple of W-2's along with some interest income, a couple of kids and no big life changes, you can probably use a free online version. For those who need to file more complicated forms like Schedule C for self-employment income, you will need to upgrade to a paid version. If you want advanced guidance about things like the value of items donated to charity, or phone support, you should consider paying more for the deluxe, premium or home/business versions of tax software. Whether you want data import compatibility. Paid versions online tax prep software can save you time by importing data from last year's tax return. Free versions don't include this ability.

Finally, you should be able to easily find the answers to all of your questions about what services and forms are included in a free package,on the website of the company that you will be using to e-file your taxes. You should carefully read through these specifics before starting your tax return. You don't want to spend a lot of time answering all of the questions, only to find out that you have to buy the Premier Edition at a substantial cost.